Robinson takes ticking off for criticism

The pressure may be increasing on Andy Robinson as his side prepare for ther penultimate Six Nations Championship match against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday but at least the England coach escaped serious censure for his criticism of South African referee Jonathan Kaplan following the ignominious Ireland clash.

The pressure may be increasing on Andy Robinson as his side prepare for ther penultimate Six Nations Championship match against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday but at least the England coach escaped serious censure for his criticism of South African referee Jonathan Kaplan following the ignominious Ireland clash.

Robinson, whose team have yet to win a match in this season's tournament, will not face disciplinary action by the Rugby Football Union.

He faced a disrepute charge after voicing his fury over Kaplan's decision to disallow a "try" by England wing Mark Cueto. Robinson was further incensed that Kaplan did not consult the video referee over a late incident when Josh Lewsey appeared to have been driven over Ireland's line.

His punishment is no more than a chastisement. A stern ticking off from his paymasters.

RFU disciplinary officer Jeff Blackett has decided that Robinson should be reminded "to avoid making critical comments of match officials during press conferences and interviews".

The England boss was probed over comments he made to a national newspaper, which included the remark "I think only one side was refereed."

Blackett ruled that, although Robinson was technically in breach of IRB Regulation 20.1.5, it was "at the very bottom end of the scale".

The IRB regulation states unions, associations, rugby bodies, clubs and persons "shall not publish, or cause to be published, criticism if the manner in which a referee or touch judge handled a match".

But Blackett said: "There was no overt criticism of the match referee in the postmatch television interview. Although he [Robinson] was clearly very angry and suggested that technology should have been used, as it was available, he did not mention the referee at all. Indeed, he acted with great control during the interview, and no objection can be taken about what he said. The Six Nations [committee] agree with this assessment."

Colin High, the RFU elite referee manager, however, received stiffer punishment for criticising Kaplan, after claiming the South African had not refereed to international standards and produced a performance unacceptable in the Premiership.

Blackett has recommended that High, a former Test match referee, should be formally warned about his future conduct, confirm his provisional IRB suspension from officiating as an international referee assessor, and make a £1,000 donation to the IRB's tsunami appeal.

High has written letters of apology to the South African Rugby Union (particularly Kaplan), IRB, Six Nations and Zurich Premiership directors of rugby.

Robinson has accepted Blackett's decision. But the England supremo's side head ominiously towards a wooden spoon showdown with Scotland if his side do not beat Italy.

Iain Balshaw will make his first England appearance for a year on Saturday. The Leeds full-back replaces skipper Jason Robinson, who underwent a thumb operation last week and faces four weeks out.

Robinson has otherwise retained the same starting line-up and replacements' bench from Dublin. Uncapped Bath prop Duncan Bell and Leicester fly-half Andy Goode are again among the substitutes, with Bell's club colleague Matt Stevens earning another start at tighthead.